Reel support and winder apparatus

ABSTRACT

Simple attachments which are assembled on the drive shaft or &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;Kelly bar&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; of a boom truck enable a cable reel to be safely supported and rotated at the required angle to the ground for winding or unwinding lengths of cable or wire. The attachments are economical and their use eliminates the need for specialized winding equipment and enables the use of power equipment commonly available to power companies, contractors and the like.

llnte States atent 1191 1111 3,863,859 Keith Feb 4, 1975 REEL SUPPORTAND WINDER APPARATUS 2,793,820 5/1957 Torgeson 242/86.5 R [76] lnvemor'ggf g f gs ggg BOX 31 Primary Examiner-Edward J1 McCarthy Attorney,Agent, or FirmD. Paul Weaver [22] Filed: Feb. 21, 1974 [21] Appl. N0.:444,510 [57] ABSTRACT Simple attachments which are assembled on thedrive 52 U.S. c1. 242/77, 242/86.5 R of Kelly of a beem enable a Cable51 1111. c1 B65h 75/14 reel te be Safely Supported and rotated at therequired [58] Field 6: Search 242/85, 86.5 R, 77 angle to the ground forWinding er unwinding lengths of cable or wire. The attachments areeconomical and [56] References Cited their use eliminates the need forspecialized winding UNITED STATES PATENTS equipment and enables the useof power equipment commonly available to power companies, contractors2,692,092 10/1954 Kinsinger 242/86.5 R and the like 2,726,050 12/1955Jones 242/77 2,749,091 6/1956 Wall 242/77 X '10 Claims, 3 DrawingFigures PATENTED FEB 4|975 SHEET 10F 2 1 REEL SUPPORT AND WINDERAPPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A need exists for a simple andeconomical means for handling relatively large cable winding and storagereels of the type used widely in the field by electric power companies,telephone companies, contractors and some ranchers and farmers. Suchparties in their daily work must handle great lengths of wire stored onheavy reels which cannot be manipulated entirely by hand. Specializedequipment for handling such wire or cable reels is available, sometimesin the form of expensive trailers with specialized power devices butsuch equipment can only be justified economically in a relatively fewcases. The need, therefore, which the invention seeks to satisfy, is fora simple, practical and relatively economical means capable ofsupporting a heavy cable reel during cable winding and unwindingoperations in the field and which means is compatible with existingpower equipment usually available to power company workers, contractorsor the like so that the need for the expensive specialized equipment isentirely eliminated.

More particularly, the invention is embodied in a few simple attachmentparts which are utilized in conjunction with the Kelly bar or powershaft of an auger-type hole digger, such Kelly bar or equivalent devicebeing powered by hydraulic means from an overhead boom in the field. Theinvention is also compatible with certain tractor-driven post holediggers by being coupled to the driven shafts thereof.

When the attachment elements and the particular reel are assembled withthe Kelly bar or similar powerdriven shaft in the field, the heavy reelis safely stabilized while it is being rotated on its axis at theparticular angle required to wind up or unwind wire at ground level orat a slight elevation above the ground or from an overhead location,such as a utility pole. In this respect, the invention has greatversatility of application, may be assembled and disassembled quicklyand conveniently at any location, and eliminates entirely the frequenthaphazard approach to handling wire and cable which is known to resultin much wasted material and economic loss. The attachments which embodythe invention may be provided in different sizes to accommodate avariety of Kelly bars or shafts. The attachments or components areextremely rugged and durable requiring essentially no maintenance.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparentduring the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a side elevation of theinvention with the components thereof assembled for use on a powerdrivenKelly bar.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the invention with the partsseparated from the Kelly bar.

FIG. 3 is another elevational view showing a modification of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings in detail wherein likenumerals designate like parts, the numeral designates a power-drivenshaft, such as a hexagonal shaft commonly known as a Kelly bar." TheKelly bar 10 is adapted to be rotated on its axis by an overhead mobilehydraulic drive unit or equivalent means. Such drive means for the Kellybar are commonly provided on boom trucks or cranes of the type employedby power companies and contractors. Inasmuch as the power drive meansfor the Kelly bar 10 forms no direct part of the invention, the same hasnot been illustrated in the drawings.

As previously explained, the purpose of the invention is to adapt theKelly bar 10 to support and rotate a typical cable or wire reel 11 inthe field, which reel is too large and heavy to be properly manipulatedby hand. The invention also eliminates the need for expensivespecialized equipment for this purpose and renders it possible toefficiently utilize readily available equipment of which the Kelly bar10 is a common component.

More particularly, the invention comprises a cable reel keeper andpositioning device 12 which consists of a cylindrical sleeve body 13 ofthe proper size to receive a given Kelly bar 10 with minimum clearance.The lower end of sleeve body 13 carries an annular abutment ring 14 atright angles thereto and rigid therewith and this ring engages one endflange of the reel 11 during the use of the invention. The keeper device12 is positioned at the desired height on the Kelly bar 10 by a pair ofopposed locking set screws 15 which are brought into engagement withopposing flats on the Kelly bar.

The conventional cable reel 11 is adapted to receive the Kelly bar 10therethrough axially as shown, and immediately below the reel, a reelsupport and drive unit 16 is fixedly mounted on the Kelly bar asindicated in FIG. 1. The unit 16 embodies a cylindrical sleeve body 17,similar to the sleeve body 13, and similarly adapted to receive theKelly bar 10 therethrough. A relatively large diameter reel supportplate 18 having a center hexagonal opening 18' is rigidly secured to theupper end of sleeve body 17 and extends radially thereof for aconsiderable distance in underlying relationship to the adjacent flangeof the cable reel 11 so as to support the latter. A pair of spaceddiametrically opposed drive pins 19 are rigidly secured'to extensions 20of the plate 18, and'these pins enter suitable drive openings whichexist in the reel or may be readily provided therein if necessary bydrilling. By this means, the unit 16 supports the cable reel 11 on theKelly bar and positively drives the reel during rotation of the Kellybar. A locking cross pin 21 is received by registering openings providedin the Kelly bar and sleeve body 17 to maintain the parts assembled. Inthis connection the opening in the Kelly bar which receives the lockingpin 21 for the unit 16 may be an existing opening used to couple augersand other devices to the Kelly bar.

The invention further comprises a Kelly bar holder 22 in the form of arelatively elongated sleeve to fit over the lower end portion of theKelly bar 10. While the holder or sleeve 22 hasa bore somewhat largerthan the width of the Kelly bar across corners, it is equippedinternally with a pair of axially spaced fixed collars 23 each having ahexagon opening 24 for the snug reception of the Kelly bar as shown inFIG. 1. The holder 22 is releasably locked on the Kelly bar by aremovable cross pin 25 adapted to enter registering transverse openingsof the holder and the Kelly bar. When assembled with the Kelly bar, theholder 22 extends somewhat below the lower end 26 of the Kelly bar asshown in the drawings.

In a preferred form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, afoot plate 27 is provided having attachment eyes 28 on its opposite endsadapted to connect with a stabilizing cable 29, or cables in someinstances. At its center, the foot plate 27 has upstanding lugs 30pivotally connected as at 31 to a depending lug 32 on a cylindrical cupor socket member 33 which receives the lower end portion of holder orsleeve 22 rotatably and removably. Preferably, lubrication fittings 34are provided on the socket member 33 to reduce friction during rotationof the Kelly bar. The pivot element 31 allows tilting of the assemblyrelative to the ground so that wire or cable can be wound onto orunwound from the reel 11 in various directions. That is to say, thestrand of wire being handled could be at or near ground level, or couldbeat the top of a utility pole. In any event, an operator stationed atsome distance from the invention may handguide the wire being wound ontothe reel or unwound therefrom. The ability of the invention to supportthe reel 11 at various angles to the ground during winding and unwindingoperations adds greatly to the utility of the device.

It should now be apparent that the invention essentially consists of thethree simple attachments 12, 16 and 22 which are readily applied to theKelly bar along with the conventional reel 11. The only other componentis the foot plate 27 having the pivoted socket 33 and this component isoptional, as will presently be explained in connection with FIG. 3.

The assembly mode is very simple. While the Kelly bar 10 is supported byan overhead boom or the like, the keeper 12 is first placed on the Kellybar by application over the lower end thereof and the set screws 15 arelocked to establish the elevation of the reel on the Kelly bar. The reel11 may then be hoisted into place below the keeper l2 and followingthis, the support and drive unit 16 is installed over the lower end ofthe Kelly bar and pinned into place. It may'be desirable to lock the setscrews 15 after the installation of the unit 16 to eliminate any problemwith the placement of the locking pin 21. Finally, the holder 22 isinstalled on the lower end of the Kelly bar and the holder is engaged inthe pivoted socket 33 with the foot plate 27 resting on the ground orpavement. A stabilizing cable 29 coupled to one of the eyes 28 andanchored to any convenient fixed support may be employed in someinstances to prevent slippage of the foot plate 27, as where the reel 11is being held at a rather steep angle during rotation.

FIG. 3 shows a somewhat more simplified form of the invention which ispractical in many instances and differs from the form shown in FIGS. 1and 2 only in that the foot plate 27 and pivoted socket member 33 areeliminated. In all other respects the construction is identical to thatshown and described in the initial embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower end of Kelly bar holder 22 is simplyallowed to rest on the soil 35 after the parts have been assembled, andduring rotation of the Kelly bar 10, the holder 22 which also rotateswill sink into the soil to thereby form its own stabilizing opening orbearing, thus eliminating the need for the socketing member 33. As shownin phantom lines in FIG. 3, the winding and reeling operations may alsobe carried out at various angles to the ground simply by tilting theKelly bar and holder 22.

Despite the slightly simpler construction in FIG. 3, there are instanceswhen the foot plate 27 and socket member must be employed. For example,when the apparatus must rest on pavement or a very hard surface, thearrangement in FIG. 3 will not be practical. There are other cases whenit may be objectionable to damage the soil by allowing the holder 22 torotate directly therein.

In either form of the invention, the basic mode of operation is the sameand the flexibility or versatility of the invention is preserved.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown anddescribed is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and thatvarious changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may beresorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scopeof the subjoined claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for supporting and turning a reel during winding andunwinding operations comprising a generally upright elongated shaftadapted to be driven rotatably by an overhead driving means, said shaftadapted to be assembled with a reel having an axial opening to receivethe shaft completely therethrough with the shaft extending substantiallyabove and below the reel during use of the apparatus, a reel positioningdevice adapted to be assembled onto said shaft above the reel thereon,means to releasably lock the positioning device in a selected adjustedposition on said shaft with the positioning device engaging the top ofthe reel, a reel support and drive unit adapted to be assembled ontosaid shaft and locked relative to the shaft below said reel and inengagement with the bottom of the reel and having a positive drivingconnection with the bottom of the reel whereby said support and driveunit causes rotation of the reel with said shaft, and a holder andbearing device for said shaft mountable upon the lower end portionthereof in locked relation therewith and extending below the lower endof the shaft and serving as a journal for the shaft during rotationthereof with said reel, said holder and bearing device tiltable with theshaft and reel to various angular operational positions relative toground.

2. The apparatus as defined by claim I, wherein said shaft is polygonalin cross section, and said reel support and drive unit and said holderand bearing device each having polygonal opening means receiving saidshaft in mating relationship whereby said unit and device are rotated inunison with said shaft and are positively coupled thereto.

3. The apparatus as defined by claim I, wherein said reel positioningdevice comprises a sleeve body receiving said shaft telescopically, saidmeans to releasably lock said positioning device comprising at least onelocking set screwon said sleeve body extending radially of said shaftand sleeve body.

4. The apparatus as defined by claim 3, and an annular abutment plate onone end of said sleeve body ensupport plate and projecting from one facethereof into a driving recess of said reel.

6. The apparatus as defined by claim 5, and said shaft being polygonalin cross section, said opening in the reel support plate also beingpolygonal and receiving said shaft drivingly.

7. The apparatus as defined by claim 1, and said holder and bearingdevice comprising a sleeve member engageable telescopically over thelower end portion of said shaft, said shaft being polygonal in crosssection, and said sleeve member containing mating polygonal socket meansfor said shaft, and a transverse locking pin for said holder and bearingdevice insertable through aligned openings in said device and shaft andserving to maintain said device and shaft assembled.

8. Apparatus for supporting and turning a reel during winding andunwinding operations comprising a generally upright shaft adapted to bedriven rotatively by an overhead driving means, said shaft adapted to beassembled with a reel having an axial opening to receive the shaft, areel positioning device adapted to be assembled with said shaft abovethe reel thereon, means to releasably lock the positioning device in aselected adjusted position on said shaft with the positioning deviceengaging one end of the reel, a reel support and drive unit adapted tobe assembled with said shaft and locked relative to the shaft below saidreel and in engagement with the other end of the reel and having apositive driving connection with the reel whereby said support and driveunit causes rotation of the reel with said shaft, a holder and bearingdevice for said shaft mountable upon the lower end portion thereof inlocked relation therewith and extending below the lower end of the shaftand serving as a journal for the shaft during rotation thereof with saidreel, said holder and bearing device tiltable with the shaft and reel tovarious angular operational positions relative to ground, and a footplate unit adapted for ground engagement below said shaft and saidholder and bearing device, and a socket member pivotally secured to thefoot plate unit for vertical swinging movement relative to ground andadapted to receive telescopically and rotatably the lower end portion ofsaid holder and bearing device.

9. The apparatus as defined by claim 8, and lubrication fitting means onsaid socket member to deliver lubricant to the bore thereof.

10. The apparatus as defined by claim 9, and at least one stabilizingcable attachment element on said foot plate unit whereby such unit maybe restrained from slipping.

1. Apparatus for supporting and turning a reel during winding andunwinding operatioNs comprising a generally upright elongated shaftadapted to be driven rotatably by an overhead driving means, said shaftadapted to be assembled with a reel having an axial opening to receivethe shaft completely therethrough with the shaft extending substantiallyabove and below the reel during use of the apparatus, a reel positioningdevice adapted to be assembled onto said shaft above the reel thereon,means to releasably lock the positioning device in a selected adjustedposition on said shaft with the positioning device engaging the top ofthe reel, a reel support and drive unit adapted to be assembled ontosaid shaft and locked relative to the shaft below said reel and inengagement with the bottom of the reel and having a positive drivingconnection with the bottom of the reel whereby said support and driveunit causes rotation of the reel with said shaft, and a holder andbearing device for said shaft mountable upon the lower end portionthereof in locked relation therewith and extending below the lower endof the shaft and serving as a journal for the shaft during rotationthereof with said reel, said holder and bearing device tiltable with theshaft and reel to various angular operational positions relative toground.
 2. The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein said shaft ispolygonal in cross section, and said reel support and drive unit andsaid holder and bearing device each having polygonal opening meansreceiving said shaft in mating relationship whereby said unit and deviceare rotated in unison with said shaft and are positively coupledthereto.
 3. The apparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein said reelpositioning device comprises a sleeve body receiving said shafttelescopically, said means to releasably lock said positioning devicecomprising at least one locking set screw on said sleeve body extendingradially of said shaft and sleeve body.
 4. The apparatus as defined byclaim 3, and an annular abutment plate on one end of said sleeve bodyengageable with one end of said reel.
 5. The apparatus as defined byclaim 1, and said reel support and drive unit comprising a sleeve bodyadapted to receive said shaft telescopically, said sleeve body and shafthaving registerable transverse openings, a locking pin for said sleevebody engageable within said transverse openings, a reel support platesecured to one end of said sleeve body and having a central openingreceiving said shaft, and at least one reel-engaging positive drivingelement secured to said reel support plate and projecting from one facethereof into a driving recess of said reel.
 6. The apparatus as definedby claim 5, and said shaft being polygonal in cross section, saidopening in the reel support plate also being polygonal and receivingsaid shaft drivingly.
 7. The apparatus as defined by claim 1, and saidholder and bearing device comprising a sleeve member engageabletelescopically over the lower end portion of said shaft, said shaftbeing polygonal in cross section, and said sleeve member containingmating polygonal socket means for said shaft, and a transverse lockingpin for said holder and bearing device insertable through alignedopenings in said device and shaft and serving to maintain said deviceand shaft assembled.
 8. Apparatus for supporting and turning a reelduring winding and unwinding operations comprising a generally uprightshaft adapted to be driven rotatively by an overhead driving means, saidshaft adapted to be assembled with a reel having an axial opening toreceive the shaft, a reel positioning device adapted to be assembledwith said shaft above the reel thereon, means to releasably lock thepositioning device in a selected adjusted position on said shaft withthe positioning device engaging one end of the reel, a reel support anddrive unit adapted to be assembled with said shaft and locked relativeto the shaft below said reel and in engagement with the other end of thereel and having a positive driving connection with the reel whereby Saidsupport and drive unit causes rotation of the reel with said shaft, aholder and bearing device for said shaft mountable upon the lower endportion thereof in locked relation therewith and extending below thelower end of the shaft and serving as a journal for the shaft duringrotation thereof with said reel, said holder and bearing device tiltablewith the shaft and reel to various angular operational positionsrelative to ground, and a foot plate unit adapted for ground engagementbelow said shaft and said holder and bearing device, and a socket memberpivotally secured to the foot plate unit for vertical swinging movementrelative to ground and adapted to receive telescopically and rotatablythe lower end portion of said holder and bearing device.
 9. Theapparatus as defined by claim 8, and lubrication fitting means on saidsocket member to deliver lubricant to the bore thereof.
 10. Theapparatus as defined by claim 9, and at least one stabilizing cableattachment element on said foot plate unit whereby such unit may berestrained from slipping.